Abstract

There is currently an unprecedented demand for metals, driven by sustained economic growth and infrastructure development, particularly in China. Cost effective exploitation of lower grade ore deposits and the most efficient processing of all mined ore is becoming more and more important.

Froth flotation is the key separation and concentration step in the industrial processing of low grade ores. The flotation separation of minerals still relatively poorly understood as it is a dynamic, multi-scale and chemico-physical process. The mining process, mineral processing and flotation will be introduced.

To better understand and optimise flotation, we use a wide range of modelling and experimental techniques. In this seminar, none will be described in great detail, but how they are used and are linked will be shown.

Topics will include fundamental physics-based models of the flowing froths, simplification and interpretation of these equations, key parameters that appear, their measurement and interpretation, particle measurements using Positron Emission Particle Tracking and particle-film interactions.